WQ88415 (e) Tabled on 14/06/2023

What assessment has the Minister made of the impact on Wales of the UK Government's decision to enforce a deadline of 2031 on the right to apply for a lost path to be added to official maps as a right of way based on historic evidence?

Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 26/06/2023

Sections 53 to 56 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (which prescribes a cut-off date of 1 January 2026 for the recording of historic footpaths and bridleways) have not been commenced in Wales. 

The UK Government’s decision to enforce a deadline of 2031 does not affect our policy position.  We will not be enacting these sections and plan to remove them from the statute book.